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Partners

MODABAT consists of nine partners from Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Spain and France.

Together, we form a strong, interdisciplinary consortium aligned with the goals of the Clean Aviation program.

Coordinated by Fraunhofer IISB (Germany), the consortium includes leading universities, research organizations, industrial partners and innovative SMEs. Together we combine strong technological expertise across battery systems, aircraft integration, safety and certification as well as digital innovation.

We cover the full value chain—from cell technology and thermal management to battery system integration, testing, digital twinning and certification pathways. The direct involvement of the end user ATR ensures that the project’s results are practical, relevant and ready for real-world application.

Discover the partners behind the project and learn more about their roles and expertise below.

Fraunhofer Gesellschaft IISB (FhG Institute)​ – The Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Systems and Device Technology IISB is one of Europe’s leading research institutions for wide-bandgap semiconductors and power electronics, covering the complete value chain. The spectrum ranges from basic materials, semiconductor devices and process technologies over power electronic modules and components to complete power electronic and energy systems. Main target applications of the IISB are semiconductor manufacturing, electromobility, aerospace as well as sustainable energy supply. With its solutions, the institute has been setting benchmarks in energy efficiency and performance, even for extreme operating conditions. Fraunhofer IISB supports its customers and partners worldwide in transferring scientific results into commercial products. In MODABAT, Fraunhofer IISB is responsible for the project coordination as well as the technology-open battery module design preventing thermal-runaway propagation and aircraft integration. The Fraunhofer Institute for High-Speed Dynamics, Ernst-Mach-Institut EMI and the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM provide support for the technical aspects of MODABAT.

IFAM (FhG Institute) – The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Applied Material Research (IFAM) is a leading independent research institution in Europe, specializing in adhesive technology, surfaces, shaping, and functional materials. With over 15 years of experience, IFAM focuses on innovative energy storage solutions, particularly in battery technologies for current and next generations. Their research encompasses material and process development, cell diagnostics for metal/air and alternative metal-ion systems, and solid-state technologies. Key areas include the production and modification of active materials, electrode design, and the development of battery cell manufacturing techniques at an industrial scale. IFAM also excels in processing solid electrolytes for solid-state batteries. In the MODABAT project, IFAM conducts electrochemical tests on 1 Ah SOLiTHOR solid-state cells and assists with baseline cell testing to support simulation and modeling partners.

EMI (FhG Institute)​ – The Fraunhofer Institute for High-Speed Dynamics, Ernst-Mach-Institut, EMI combines experimental testing, modeling, and simulation to enhance safety and resilience. The research covers ballistics, impact and explosion physics, material behavior and battery safety. Battery abuse tests, from cell to system level, are conducted in a fire- and explosion-proof bunker. Complementary simulations provide detailed insights into the mechanical and thermal processes at play.

Within the MODBAT consortium, Fraunhofer EMI develops models of thermal runaway and propagation to support battery-system design. In line with MODBAT’s modular approach, these models will be adapted to the behavior of solid-state batteries. For validation, sub-module tests are performed alongside advanced measurement techniques, such as in-situ X-ray imaging, to identify critical heat-transfer pathways. Through these efforts, Fraunhofer EMI contributes to the development of safe and adaptable battery systems for aviation.

Collins Aerospace Ireland Ltd –

Collins Aerospace, a business unit of RTX, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defence industry. Collins directly employs around 14,000 people in 15 European countries. Collins Aerospace designs, produces and maintain flight critical systems for aerostructures, mechanical systems, interior systems, avionics, mission systems and power and controls systems, as well as aftermarket services under EASA certification. Since several years, Collins Aerospace participate in several European development and demonstrator programs.

Collins Aerospace Ireland is part if the Collins Aerospace Applied Research and Technology (ART) organization and has skills on thermo-mechanical, electrical power, and autonomous systems as well as advanced materials and multi-disciplinary design optimization. Whitin MODABAT, ART leads the definition of requirements at system level, as well as leverage its capabilities to develop a lightweight battery containment and venting system to ensure safety in an event of thermal runaway.

Solithor BV​ – SOLiTHOR is a Belgian deep-tech company pioneering advanced solid-state battery material technology, with a focus on developing an innovative next-generation solid composite electrolyte. This concept enables batteries with high energy density, long durability, and improved safety. As a technology developer, SOLiTHOR leverages its manufacturing excellence and experience in solid-state battery characterization to advance the MODABAT project. Its contribution is expected to play a critical role in meeting the demanding performance and safety standards of future electric aviation platforms.

Technische Universiteit Delft DCE&S (TUD) – The DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage (DCE&S) group of TU Delft focuses on research and education in the fields of DC systems, energy storage, electronic power conversion (power electronics), electro-mechanics for electric mobility and recently electro-chemical conversion. The group owns the Electric Sustainable Power (ESP) laboratory that is actively used for testing of grid integration of power electronics, battery degradation, hardware in loop simulation (HIL), AC and DC protection, and wide-area monitoring, protection and control. One main research topic of the group is transportation electrification, including road, water, and air traffic. In the MODABAT project, the group is leading the battery nominal behaviour modelling via a physics-informed data-driven approach. The model will be used for future electric aircraft battery pack design and digital twin development.

iSP (TUD) – The intelligent System Prognostics (iSP) for Operations and Maintenance Research Group, part of the Department of Aerospace Structures and Materials within the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology, specializes in intelligent methodologies for diagnostics, prognostics, and health management (PHM) across a wide range of engineering systems and structures. The group addresses PHM challenges by developing methodologies that ensure reliable predictions, robust performance under variable and mission-specific conditions, and practical applicability in real-world scenarios.

Within the MODABAT project, the iSP group is responsible for developing an adaptable prognostic methodology capable of predicting in real-time the end-of-discharge (EoD) of battery cells and systems, covering both Li-ion and emerging solid-state technologies, while incorporating future operational data.

To learn more about the group, please visit the iSP webpage (https://www.groupisp.com/home).

The University of Nottingham – The Power Electronics Machines Control Research Institute (PEMC) at the University of Nottingham has a long history of significant involvement with Clean Aviation and the previous programmes of Clean Sky and Clean Sky 2. The institute has around 200 staff, researchers, PhD students and administrative employees with a current project portfolio of £78 Million alongside being a large test house for previous international projects. The PEMC has two dedicated buildings with electrical system and propulsion test facilities rated up to 20MW with the capability of working up to TRL6. Within the project PEMC will be involved in many work packages and will contribute to a draft battery module design, specification for the electrical battery architecture, define the PDU components and aid in battery system performance testing.

Netherlands Aerospace Center – NLR – For over 100 years, NLR has been an ambitious applied research institute, driven by a commitment to continuous innovation in support of sustainable, safe, efficient, and effective aerospace. We provide innovative solutions and technical expertise, leveraging our state-of-the-art research facilities, field labs, simulators, and wind tunnels from our locations in Amsterdam and Marknesse. NLR operates in an objective and independent manner, working for and alongside both national and international businesses and governments.

Our role in the project focuses on requirement management, certification readiness, and Digital Twin development for the battery system. By maintaining rigorous traceability, structured risk mitigation, and proactive regulatory engagement, we ensure compliance with safety and certification requirements, laying the groundwork for entry into service by 2035.

Axter Aerospace SL – Axter Aerospace is a Spanish high-quality engineering and manufacturing company specialized in advanced electronics, power electronics, and Battery Management Systems for aerospace and defense applications. Founded in 2011 and EN 9100 certified, Axter delivers turnkey solutions from design to serial production, supported by state-of-the-art facilities qualified for sensitive defense programs. Our technology is validated by the Spanish Ministry of Defense, and we hold Security Clearance, ensuring full reliability for classified projects. As part of the CT Engineering Group, Axter contributes strong industrial capability and experience in EDF and Clean Aviation initiatives.

In the MODABAT Clean Aviation project, Axter leads the Battery Management System (BMS) design and integration, including all system interfaces, ensuring safe and optimized operation of the advanced battery system. Additionally, Axter is responsible for battery manufacturing and associated electronic subsystems, leveraging its proven expertise in aerospace-grade power and energy solutions.

K&S GmbH – K&S provides comprehensive project coordination and administration, ensuring smooth execution across all stages of funded initiatives. We support project planning with realistic schedules, milestones and work packages, while enabling effective consortium coordination through clear communication and structured processes. Continuous progress monitoring allows timely adjustments, supported by risk- and quality management. Furthermore we develop communication strategies, manage publications and ensure transparent stakeholder communication with funding bodies, partners and the public – delivering professional, reliable project support from start to finish.

K&S plays a central role within the project management work package (WP6) , ensuring alignment between strategic goals and project execution. K&S also serves as the WP5 lead, taking responsibility for communication, dissemination and exploitation activities. In this capacity, K&S coordinates all efforts to maximize project visibility, impact, and long-term value.

The Universitat Politècnica de València – The Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), through its I.U.I. CMT – Clean Mobility & Thermofluids institute, is a key partner in the MODABAT project. CMT is an internationally recognized research center dedicated to applied thermofluid-dynamics for mobility purposes, focusing on processes related to propulsion and energy systems, considering Internal Combustion Engines, and now focusing as well on clean mobility technologies (H2 engines, Lithium-Ion cells and Fuel Cells). Their main tasks MODABAT include experimentally characterizing the cell behavior under Thermal Runaway conditions , and actively working on the design and prototyping of a scalable and modular Battery Thermal Management System. UPV-CMT is the Leader for Work Package 4, “Baseline Battery System Prototyping & Demonstration” in charge of the commissioning of the battery demonstrator for performance testing and validating the digital twin models. The institute operates extensive research laboratories, including a dedicated battery research facility equipped with specialized battery abuse techniques on batteries through thermal, mechanical and electrical methods.

ATR – ATR is a joint partnership between two major European aeronautics players, Airbus and Leonardo.

ATR offers airlines the most efficient, versatile, innovative, and responsible regional aircraft on the market. Our aircraft (ATR 42 and ATR 72) have been designed and built around turboprop engines. The efficiency of our aircraft means they:

  • burn 45 % less fuel than a similarly sized regional jet
  • emit 45% less CO2 than a similarly sized regional jet
  • access challenging terrains, hence widening route opportunities
  • offer low operating costs, ensuring the viability of the shortest, thinnest routes.

With our focus on continuous innovation, we are constantly bringing evolutions and new technologies to our aircraft to perfectly meet the needs of our market.

In the project MODABAT ATR is providing practical insights, integration requirements and continuous feedback to ensure a successful implementation and adoption.